Peyton Manning’s Great Season Comes to an End
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Dustin Bradford/Getty Images(DENVER) — It what was one of the greatest NFL comeback stories in recent years, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos ride ended on Saturday after their 38-35 double overtime loss to the Ravens at home. Manning led the Broncos to the No. 1 seed in the AFC after undergoing four neck procedures during the offseason.
Manning threw an interception in Denver’s second possession of overtime, after throwing across his body to the middle of the field, which landed in Ravens cornerback Corey Graham’s hands. Baltimore would run five plays before Justin Tucker won the game with a game winning field goal.
“I accomplished a lot more this year than I certainly thought I would have,” said Manning. “I think this team exceeded its expectations as well. We really didn’t know what to expect from this team.”
Manning rolled off 11 straight wins in the regular season to secure the top spot in the AFC, but will have the rest of the offseason to prepare for another playoff run in 2013.
“I think the more you put in, that’s why it does hurt,” said a disappointed Manning. “Everybody’s hurt in that locker room because guys really have worked hard this season. Certainly, it does sting.”
Denver finished 13-3 in Manning’s first season and was 7-1 at Mile High Stadium. With the rest of the AFC West still looking to improve, there is no reason Manning won’t be back in the same position come next year.
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